Celtic player ratings as Jeremie Frimpong earns high mark despite starting on the bench
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Celtic left it late to find the breakthrough against Riga.
A nervy encounter in the Latvian capital stayed goalless until the 90th minute when substitute Moi Elyounoussi found the net.
It wasn’t a classic European performance from Neil Lennon’s side but the last-gasp winner was enough to see them through to the final playoff round of Europa League qualifying.
But it was Jeremie Frimpong’s blistering showing off the bench that stood out among the Parkhead men.
Here’s how Record Sport evaluated Celtic’s performances.
Vasilis Barkas – 6
Greek keeper did his jobs in the opening period without fuss. Spectator in second half as Celtic were camped in the Riga half.
Nir Bitton – 7
Israeli was drafted into the defensive position with Cristopher Jullien injured. Strong defensively. Scuffed a good chance with a volley.
Shane Duffy – 6
Centre-back was invited to have plenty of possession and his distribution was not up to the required levels. Cynical yellow card.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6
Bailed out by Bitton when caught out of position in first period break. Plenty of the ball at his feet without incisive passing.
Scott Brown – 6
Booked just before half-time for a foul on Nata. Victim of a terrible calf-high tackle himself from Kamess. Kept it simple.
James Forrest – 3
Started on the right-hand side and had few chances to attack his full-back before he went down with a strain and was taken off just after the half hour.
Greg Taylor – 6
Left wing-back pushed forward at every opportunity with his team having lots of the ball. Kept going as he tried to find ways to break through.
Callum McGregor – 7
Midfielder tried to inject some tempo into the game as he picked up positions on the left of centre and linked with Taylor. Constant.
Olivier Ntcham – 6
Busy in the opening period looking for the ball and had a fierce long-range shot tipped over. Worked hard until he was taken off.
Ryan Christie – 7
Shot wide and a neat turn and pass which almost got Forrest away, Another strike from inside the box and a swerving free-kick before pass at goal.
Odsonne Edouard – 5
French striker was back after a rest. Lethargic and never really got up to full speed at any point of the contest. Late shot blocked.
Subs
Jeremie Frimpong – 7
Bright and sharp from the moment he entered the match setting up chances with raiding runs. Excellent and made the winner.
Albian Ajeti – 2
Almost scored with his first touch.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 4
Brought on with eight minutes to go and produced a magic moment.
Man of the Match
Jeremie Frimpong was the one who brought Celtic to life. It’s unusual for a sub to get the nod and Bitton was best of the starters, but he instantly injected impetus into the game and created the winner.